Cowboys Seek Next Great Middle Linebacker

Dallas looks to fill a key position of need in the upcoming NFL Draft

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:18am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a middle linebacker making a tackle, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of a middle linebacker's role as the defensive anchor, breaking down the complex responsibilities of the position.Frisco Today

The Dallas Cowboys are in search of their next great middle linebacker, a position that has a storied legacy in the franchise's history. With Leighton Vander Esch's retirement due to a neck injury, the team has lacked stability at the position in recent seasons. The Cowboys are hoping to find their next long-term answer at middle linebacker, either through the upcoming NFL Draft or potentially in free agency or via trade.

Why it matters

The middle linebacker position is critical to the Cowboys' defense, as that player is responsible for calling plays, filling gaps against the run, and providing coverage in passing situations. Dallas struggled against the run last season, ranking 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game. Finding the right middle linebacker could help shore up the team's defensive weaknesses and return them to playoff contention.

The details

The Cowboys have a long history of standout middle linebackers, including Jerry Tubbs, Lee Roy Jordan, Bob Breunig, and Leighton Vander Esch. However, since Vander Esch's retirement, the position has been a revolving door, with players like Damone Clark, Eric Kendricks, and a rookie Shemar James all seeing time there. The team is now focused on finding a long-term solution, either through the draft or free agency.

  • The 2023 NFL Draft begins on April 23.
  • The Cowboys played nearly 70% of their defensive snaps in nickel formations last season, highlighting the need for a versatile middle linebacker.

The players

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who has expressed confidence in the team's ability to find a rookie middle linebacker who can handle the responsibility of calling defensive plays.

Stephen Jones

The Cowboys' co-owner and COO, who has acknowledged the team's need to upgrade the inside linebacker position and is exploring options in free agency and potential trades.

Leighton Vander Esch

The former Cowboys middle linebacker whose retirement due to a severe neck injury has left a void in the team's defense.

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What they’re saying

“Yes, a big YES.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner, Dallas Cowboys

“We hadn't checked that box yet, but we still got a big draft ahead of us, and we'll continue to look at other opportunities that might present themselves.”

— Stephen Jones, Co-Owner and COO, Dallas Cowboys

“There is no question in my mind we're going to rebuild that room in a very exciting way. It's going to help us be one of the best linebacker groups for the next few years to come.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys

What’s next

The Cowboys will have their position draft meetings over the next week to identify potential middle linebacker prospects worthy of a first-round pick, including Ohio State's Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles, Georgia's CJ Allen, and Texas' Anthony Hill Jr.

The takeaway

Finding the right middle linebacker is a top priority for the Cowboys this offseason, as they look to shore up a defense that struggled against the run last season. The team's rich history at the position means they are seeking a player who can step in and become a long-term leader of the defense, capable of both stopping the run and providing coverage in passing situations.